Lifestyle Patterns of Patients with Alopecia and Factors Affecting their Willingness to Undergo Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Adults

Abstract

Alopecia has become a growing concern since it directly affects the quality of life of the patients. It can be stimulated by various factors including stress, lifestyle changes, genetic predisposition, and aging. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the lifestyle patterns of alopecia patients, to understand alopecia´s characteristics and treatment options, and finally to assess the factors affecting the willingness to undergo treatment. An observational crosssectional study was conducted targeting 171 alopecia patients in the Lebanese adult population in 2020. A survey was administered during face-to-face interviews to collect the study data. Almost half of the participants in this study were smokers and alcohol consumers. For the majority of participants, alopecia initiated between 20 and 40 years and was associated with family history. Moreover, the willingness to use hair loss treatment is higher with age and university graduates had 5.05 higher odds to use them compared to primary and intermediate levels. The existence of family history had 3.42 higher odds to use hair loss treatment. In conclusion, patients with alopecia had specific lifestyle patterns. Pharmacists were the main source of information for alopecia treatment. Therefore, empowering their role in providing the adequate support for the patients is essential.